Mauritius: cost of living

Is the cost of living rising in Mauritius?

Consumer prices in Mauritius rose 5.7% in the year to September 2026, according to Statistics Mauritius' Consumer Price Index. Food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose 0.6% between August and September 2026 alone, and gasoline added 0.3 points to the index in the month.

Average inflation over the 12 months to September was 4.1%, against 3.4% a year earlier. The Bank of Mauritius said in August 2026 that higher energy and transport costs were among the risks to inflation. The index measures price changes, not the level of prices.

Official sources: Statistics Mauritius: Consumer Price Index, September 2026 (PDF) · Bank of Mauritius: August 2026 decision

What is the poverty rate in Mauritius?

8.4% of people in Mauritius, about 101,900, lived in relative poverty in 2023, down from 10.4% in 2017, according to Statistics Mauritius' Poverty Analysis Report based on the 2023 Household Budget Survey. 7.3% of households, about 29,800, were below the line.

The relative poverty line is half the median monthly household income per adult equivalent, Rs 12,378 a month in 2023. Poverty was more common among children under 16 (15.7%) than among people aged 60 and over (3.1%). A relative line moves with median income.

Official sources: Statistics Mauritius: Poverty Analysis Report 2023 (PDF)

What is Mauritius' inflation rate?

The IMF puts consumer price inflation in Mauritius at 3.7% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.4% (2019) to 10.8% (2022). It is 16th highest of 39 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 3.4%. World rank, highest first: 64th of 165.

How much do people in Mauritius spend?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $7,878. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was $840, and Mauritius placed 2nd highest of 37. World rank, highest first: 45th of 124.

How many people in Mauritius live on under $3 a day?

0.5%: that is the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Mauritius for 2017, according to the World Bank. In 2006 the figure was 1.1%. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 13.0%, and Mauritius placed 5th highest of 5. Worldwide: 45th of 77.

How many people in Mauritius are poor?

8.4%: that is the share of people below the national poverty line in Mauritius for 2023, according to the World Bank. That compares with 7.9% in 2012. It is 5th highest of 5 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 24.8%. World rank, highest first: 33rd of 39.

What is income inequality in Mauritius?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2017, is 36.8. That compares with 35.7 in 2006. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 40.7, and Mauritius placed 5th highest of 5. Worldwide: 29th of 77.

How many people in Mauritius go hungry?

According to the FAO, moderate or severe food insecurity in Mauritius was 28.2% in 2024. Its high point since 2015 was 2021, at 32.0%; its low point was 2015, at 13.0%. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 60.5%, and Mauritius placed 31st highest of 34. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 55th highest.